INTRODUCTION Today s Workshop WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK ON BOLD MOVES FOR MOBILITY IN THE HALIFAX REGION! Agenda: Purpose: 1 2 3 4 REVIEW the information boards LISTEN to the introductory presentation SHARE your thoughts on the Integrated Mobility Plan during the round table conversations WRAP UP the workshop and learn about next steps At today s workshop we would like to get your thoughts on: COMPLETE STREETS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION TRANSIT PRIORITIES TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROJECT SCHEDULE WE ARE HERE PROJECT INITIATION Form project team + stakeholder engagement WORKSHOPS Learn + confirm vision WORKSHOPS What we have heard WORKSHOPS Present + discuss draft plan PRESENT PLAN TO COUNCIL POP-UP SESSIONS Present + explore scenarios POP-UP SESSIONS Present + explore scenarios MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL LEARN TOGETHER «2O16 CHECK-IN + FEEDBACK «2O17
WHAT WE HEARD Learn and Confirm The first phase of public engagement for the Integrated Mobility Plan included a series of public workshops and an online survey. PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OVERVIEW Community Workshops Community members were invited to share ideas on regional transportation. Key Take-Aways Overall, the workshops and online survey revealed:» Support for implementing Halifax Transit s Moving Forward Together Plan» A desire to improve public transit, active transportation, and creating pedestrian friendly environments» A call to reduce conflicts between different modes of transportation, particularly between bicyclists and private vehicles» Support for bicycling facilities throughout the region for people of all ages» Strong interest in alternatives to driving» Little desire for more parking Eight two-hour workshops were held in Sept. 2016 at Cole Harbour Place in Cole Harbour, Sunnyside Mall in Bedford, Exhibition Centre in Prospect, and Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. Over 130 people attended. Online Survey Concurrent with the workshops, an online survey was hosted on the project s website shapeyourcity 165 people participated in the online survey which asked five questions based on the workshops. INFORMATION COLLECTED FROM THESE WORKSHOPS AND THE ONLINE SURVEY HAS SHAPED THE INITIAL IDEAS AND CONCEPTS PRESENTED TODAY Each survey question focused on one of the Plan s four themes: Connected, Healthy, Affordable, Sustainable, and provided participants the opportunity to suggest bold moves.
WHAT WE HEARD BOLD MOVES Build bus lanes and bus only streets Commuter rail system Walkable communities A fully physically accessible transit system Additional ferry routes, specifically to Bedford Paved shoulders on rural roads for bicyclists Alternating traffic lanes Improve the design and timing of signals at intersections to increase pedestrian safety and convenience Build complete streets, and retrofit existing ones Subsidize fares for families, children, or persons with low income Fully electric/ hybrid bus fleet Reduce parking requirements for developers who invest in carsharing or active transportation Charge for parking at business parks and mall parking lots Free wifi on buses Use planters to segregate bike lanes Create congestion tax Form partnerships with private companies, including carsharing Implement real time bus arrival signs at bus stops and bus tracking apps Develop a bike share system and bike route app Build a Northwest Arm pedestrian/cyclist bridge and other bike overpasses Create density near transit Invest in a trails system for recreation and commuting AN INTEGRATED APPROACH The four themes of the Integrated Mobility Plan (Connected, Healthy, Affordable, Sustainable) are engrained throughout all of the concept areas shown here today. CONNECTED HEALTHY AFFORDABLE SUSTAINABLE COMPLETE STREETS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION TRANSIT PRIORITIES TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Complete Streets WHAT WE HEARD WHAT WE DID Connected: Improve key routes to enhance the overall connectivity within the region. Accommodate different users using street design techniques, such as protected bike lanes, comfortable sidewalks, dedicated bus lanes, improved signal timing and safer intersections. Healthy: Create safe, accessible, comfortable and protected bicycling and walking routes to promote fitness. Affordable: Private vehicles are expensive; providing citizens with the choice to walk or bike can reduce transportation costs. Sustainable: Streets support environmental sustainability by accommodating alternative transportation modes. They also support social/cultural sustainability by creating great public spaces, and economic sustainability by supporting business, commuters and goods movement. Building on your ideas, the project team:» Conducted review of other Complete Streets policies, including Edmonton, Toronto, Boston, Calgary, and others.» Revisited and updated the Complete Streets Guiding Principles that were initially developed after a staff workshop to explore complete streets in February 2014.» Developed an approach for how Complete Streets elements and ideas can be considered in street design projects (new and retrofits). WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW Do you agree with the draft Guiding Principles?
COMPLETE STREETS Complete Streets Streets function as important places, as well as transportation links. A Complete Streets approach creates streets that accommodate all users and their unique requirements. Planning, design, and maintenance work together to make streets usable for everyone. With a Complete Streets approach, the municipality will: Support the transportation and land use goals of the Regional Plan Improve the safety of all street users Ensure the compatibility of street design with adjacent land uses Local Complete Streets Example: North Park Roundabouts Project The roundabout design improves the safety and comfort of all users through:» Wider sidewalks» Trails» Bicycle lanes» A treed boulevard» Extra green space for the Halifax Common Meet the needs of all users through the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of streets Create streets that support a variety of functions: serving as public open spaces, contributing to the urban forest, and providing gateways to communities Local Complete Streets Example: Argyle Street Alignment with Other Plans In addition to the Integrated Mobility Plan, a Complete Streets approach is promoted in:» The Regional Plan (2014)» The Halifax Active Transportation Priorities Plan (2014)» The Transportation Demand Management Plan (2010)» The draft Centre Plan (2016) Recognizing its role in the heart of Halifax s entertainment district, Halifax is preparing to transform two blocks of Argyle Street into a place that better supports the street s high pedestrian volumes and sidewalk café culture.
COMPLETE STREETS Draft Guiding Principles PROPOSED KEY ACTION: Inform future plans, strategies and designs for new or retrofitted streets with the following draft Guiding Principles for Complete Streets. Streets support their intended functions and complement adjacent land uses Complete Streets are sensitive to the character, scale and needs of surrounding neighbourhoods and contribute to the long-term vision for communities. Appropriate street design to balance the needs of all users is linked to urban design, land use, and a street s function. Investment in the transportation network will be prioritized to provide a better variety of travel options for residents. Streets consider all ages and abilities Streets need to be safe, comfortable, and enjoyable to all users including people of all ages, using a variety of transportation modes, with varying abilities, in all seasons. Streets are multi-functional and multi-modal Streets not only connect destinations, but can be important open spaces, social spaces, community hubs, gateways and destinations in their own right.» Intersections are a critical part of the network and should be designed to meet the needs of all users.» Depending on the street s role in a particular situation, consider re-allocating space to meet the needs of different users. Connected networks are critical Keeping the larger transportation network in mind is critical for each mode. While it may not be practical to accommodate every need on every street, it is critical that good networks are available for all modes, especially when linking major destinations, such as employment areas, commercial districts, schools and hospitals. Streets require collaboration Creating a great street requires cooperation, engagement and partnerships across municipal departments, as well as with communities, businesses and organizations. Streets contribute to the sustainability of the region Streets support environmental sustainability by accommodating alternative transportation modes. They also support social/cultural sustainability by creating great public spaces, and economic sustainability by supporting business, commuters and goods movement.
COMPLETE STREETS Process Implementation PROPOSED KEY ACTION: Implement a Complete Streets approach using the following steps. 1 STREET CLASSIFICATIONS: The municipality s street classifications will be expanded to reflect how our streets relate to their context. The new classifications will guide detailed street design. Classification Example 1: The Link-Place model evaluates streets based on their transportation function and their street context/character to determine the most appropriate design. Classification Example 2: Edmonton s three-part Composite Street Typology defines street types based on: LINK Is this street used to move a lot of people? YES NO YES Is this street a destination? PLACE NO RELATIONSHIP OF BUILDING TO STREET Street Oriented Non-street Oriented LAND USE CONTEXT Residential Major Public Spaces & Institutions Industrial Commercial/Mixed Use FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION Arterial Collector Local Adapted from the City of Toronto Adapted from the City of Edmonton 2 PROCESS: The Complete Streets approach will be incorporated into an integrated process for the planning and design of new and reconstructed streets. Process Example: Edmonton s Complete Streets process blends into their existing planning and design processes and will eventually be incorporated into all road redesign, neighbourhood planning and streetscape improvement projects. ALIGNMENT WITH GUIDING PRINCIPLES Define Project Goals & Scope BROAD PARAMETERS SPECIFICS FINAL CHECK Identity Modal Priorities Identity Street Type Select Elements Make Trade-offs Confirm Recommended Design Adapted from Edmonton 3 EVALUATION: Complete Streets projects will be evaluated to determine if they are meeting their objectives as established by a number of indicators and targets. Evaluation Example: The municipality will develop a Strategic Road Safety Plan with targets. The plan will use a Toward Zero approach to reduce fatalities and injuries for all road users.
Active Transportation WHAT WE HEARD WHAT WE DID Connected: A complete network of sidewalks and trails, and a safe bicycle network, is important to encourage more people to walk and cycle, making it an efficient and viable method of travel in the region. Healthy: Complete, attractive and well-maintained walking and bicycling networks will provide citizens with the option to move throughout the region and improve their physical and mental health. Affordable: Private vehicles are expensive, providing citizens with the choice to walk or bike can reduce transportation costs. Sustainable: Improving walking and bicycling options will help reduce car dependency. Bicycling and walking are also less land intensive methods of travel than automobiles. Building on your ideas, the project team:» Identified criteria to be used by the municipal staff when determining new bicycling routes and infrastructure.» Identified potential minimum grid for bicycling facilities on the Halifax peninsula and a spine network for Dartmouth.» Developed a proposal to speed up the implementation of several components of the Active Transportation Priorities Plan (2014).» Identified key sidewalk and greenway gaps to address by 2020. WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW What do you think of the proposed key actions?
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION Active Transportation Active transportation includes walking, bicycling and other human powered ways to move around the Halifax Region. Encouraging active transportation promotes personal health and recreation, helps manage congestion, reduces emissions and supports efficient land use. PROPOSED KEY ACTIONS: Our aim is to implement these proposed key actions by 2020! 1. Build sidewalks on busy roads with transit service, with a focus on underserved neighbourhoods 2. Complete a minimum grid bicycle network for all ages and abilities on the Halifax Peninsula A minimum grid is a route network with bicycling facilities every 500-750m (2-3 min.). The types of facilities will include: protected bike lanes, buffered bike lanes, painted bike lanes, local street bikeways, greenways and off-road bikeways. 3. Develop easier and safer bicycling connections to the Macdonald Bridge Bikeway 4. Complete a spine bicycle network for all ages and abilities in Dartmouth, inside the Regional Centre The municipality proposes the following revised criteria to identify new bike routes:» Routes identified through the Active Transportation Plan (2014) (or other official plan)» Convenience» Connections to other types of transportation options» Immediate safety needs» Current bicycling demand» Potential bicycling demand» Connections to key destinations» Current and anticipated population and employment density» Topography» Equity analysis» Areas with youth, seniors, lowincome earners, visible minorities, immigrants, etc. 5. Incorporate an equity lens into the planning of walking and bicycling facilities e.g. Consider the needs of under-served neighbourhoods and vulnerable populations. 6. Provide walking and bicycling connections for all ages and abilities to all transit terminals 7. Close priority gaps in the Regional Greenway Network
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION WALKING: EXISTING SIDEWALKS A B C D Roads Roads with Sidewalks Urban Tax Designation Boundary WALKING: PROPOSED NEW MAJOR CONNECTIONS A Cobequid Road B Windmill Road C Dutch Village Road D Herring Cove Road Note: In addition to these major connections, the regular sidewalk program will continue to make minor additions to the sidewalk network in conjunction with road resurfacing projects.
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION BICYCLING: PROPOSED NETWORK HALIFAX PENINSULA AND DARTMOUTH Proposed Bicycle Routes Alignment To Be Determined Existing Bicycle Routes Bicycle Route Projects in Development Greenway Network Vision Roads Regional Centre Boundary WALKING & BICYCLING: PRIORITY GAPS IN THE REGIONAL GREENWAY NETWORK Existing Greenway Greenway Network Vision Identified Gaps in Greenway Network Roads
Transit Priorities WHAT WE HEARD WHAT WE DID Connected: Citizens value an accessible, well-connected transit system, and suggested implementing priority measures (including bus-only lanes) and improved bus service to major destinations, including parks and recreational areas. Healthy: Frequent, reliable, inviting and comfortable transit increases use and helps to reduce social isolation and improve physical health. Affordable: For those without access to a private vehicle, public transit is very important for quality of life. Operation support for public transit is also important to ensure that all citizens have the ability to move around the region. Sustainable: An extensive and reliable transit system helps to reduce overall car dependency. Building on your ideas, the project team:» Looked for strategic road links that could benefit several bus routes if buses could bypass congestion» Looked for parts of the road network where transit could benefit from having priority starting with those roadways already identified in the Moving Forward Together Plan» Started with the links in the Moving Forward Together Plan and expanded them to create a network that works together, integrates with ferries and potentially commuter rail, and serves employment, campuses and strategic growth areas WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW What do you think of the proposed key actions? Where should transit be prioritized?
TRANSIT PRIORITIES Complete Communities Complete communities contain mixed uses and compact development that enables everyone to safely and conveniently access the goods, services, and activities they need in their daily lives, without having to use a car. PROPOSED KEY ACTION: To enable complete communities to form and grow, the municipality will encourage development to focus around transit stations and transportation hubs. STATION PARK & RIDE LOTS Benefit: Encourages drivers to try public transit. Enables remote residents to reach transit. Getting there: Primarily drive. Parking: Large areas surrounding the station. Form: Surface parking. Note: Park & Rides work best at outer stations within easy reach from major roads and highways for commuters. They can evolve into complete communities over time. STATION TRANSITION FROM PARK & RIDE Benefit: Some shops and services around the station and some residences nearby. Continues to provide convenient access to transit for drivers. Getting there: The majority still drive, though some walk and cycle using active transportation connections to the station. Parking: Remains predominantly surface parking. Form: Some buildings (shops and services), with apartments above and/or behind, near the station or along pedestrian routes. STATION COMPLETE COMMUNITIES Benefit: Lets people live, shop and work near the station. The station is more accessible to different modes. Getting there: Walk, bike, and drive with a pedestrian friendly street grid. Parking: Most is underground. Form: Supports a traditional town centre that integrates with surrounding neighbourhoods.
TRANSIT PRIORITIES Transit Priority Corridors A key principle of Halifax Transit s Moving Forward Together Plan (MFTP) is to give transit increased priority in the transportation network. Transit Priority Corridors are streets where measures are taken to improve the efficiency of buses. PROPOSED KEY ACTION: Implement transit priority corridors Map: Locations to Prioritize Transit The map below shows locations where measures to reduce delays to buses should be considered, because traffic congestion and high transit usage co-exist along these streets. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for transit priority corridors, with different methods appropriate in different locations. To prioritize transit:» Modify traffic signals to let buses pass through more quickly» Provide queue jumps to let buses bypass congestion» Consider bus-only lanes along strategic sections of road Green: The Transit Priority Corridors identified in the Moving Forward Together Plan (MFTP) Purple: Additional Transit Priority Corridors to consider beyond the Moving Forward Together Plan (MFTP) * THIS IS NOT A PROPOSED ROUTE MAP MFTP Transit Priority Corridors Potential Transit Priority Corridors Regional Plan Growth Centre Major Bus Terminal Bus Terminal Ferry/Bus Terminal Potential Rail Station Urban Transit Service Boundary MFTP Corridor Routes MFTP Local & Express Bus Routes Ferry Routes Potential Commuter Rail
MUMFORD WARD MICMAC COOK CONNAUGHT GLENDALE WATCH DOG TRANSIT PRIORITIES PROPOSED KEY ACTION: Bayers Road Transit Priority Corridor The Moving Forward Together Plan identified Bayers Road and Gottingen Street as areas where enhancements to improve transit can have the most significant positive impact on the transit network. Bayers Road is an example of a Transit Priority Corridor where dedicated bus lanes may be appropriate. The cross sections and map below illustrate a possible strategy to improve transit service along Bayers Road. BAYERS ROAD (BETWEEN HIGHWAY 102 + CONNAUGHT AVE) BAYERS ROAD TRANSIT PRIORITY CORRIDOR Existing Conditions MCALPINE LAURIE MACDOUGALL CONNOLLY HAWK HEMP ROPE BARRACKS WINDSOR YOUNG ST ANDREWS REGENT CHESTER EDGEWOOD CLOVERDALE BAYERS FEDERAL BERESFORD ROSLYN DUBLIN BARNSTEAD YOUNG OXFORD HIGHWAY 102 ROMANS HURON CORK EDINBURGH PENNINGTON VAUGHAN LIVERPOOL LONDON COLEMAN 15.5 ± CURB-TO-CURB WIDTH OLIVET HEINISH ARCHIBALD AIKENS ISNER Halifax Shopping Centre UNDER REVIEW 262 LLOYD FOX EDWARD ARAB GEORGE DAUPHINEE MFTP Corridor Routes MFTP Local & Express Bus Routes Potential Commuter Rail ALMON BERLIN Potential Transit Priority Corridor VIENNA Bayers Road Transit Priority Corridor Preliminary strategy to accommodate separated bus lanes BAYERS ROAD CORRIDOR VOLUMES (PM PEAK) Buses/hour Transit (Persons) Vehicles (Cars) Vehicles (Persons) Total (Persons) 19.4 ± CURB-TO-CURB WIDTH 2016 without bus lanes 18 350 1100 1500 1850 2016 with bus lanes 30 900 1000 1350 2250 BAYERS ROAD (BETWEEN CONNAUGHT AVE + WINDSOR ST) Existing Conditions 2031 without bus lanes 2031 with bus lanes 15-20 500 1400 1900 2400 35-45 1300 1300 1750 3050 12.3 ± CURB-TO-CURB WIDTH P Preliminary strategy to accommodate separated bus lanes 13.0 CURB-TO-CURB WIDTH
Transportation Demand Management WHAT WE HEARD WHAT WE DID Connected: The use of carpool lanes, carsharing, bike sharing, mobile applications and improved connections between transportation modes to manage transportation demand and contribute to connectivity. Healthy: Traffic and commuting cause stress; different work arrangements and/or more pleasant journeys can help improve well-being. Affordable: Carpooling, carsharing, using other forms of transportation, working from home or shifting work hours can all help to reduce the cost of private vehicles in terms of money and time. Building on your ideas, the project team:» Explored the potential for carsharing to reduce the need to own one or more cars.» Considered the potential to expand the SmartTrip and flexible work programs, to promote viable and sustainable commuting options and help businesses adopt a culture of flexible and remote work. Sustainable: Use incentives and other techniques to support alternative travel arrangements to reduce car dependency. Car and bicycle sharing further improve transportation sustainability. WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW What do you think of the proposed key actions?
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND Transportation Demand Management Transportation Demand Management is about reducing peak hour congestion by providing people with choice in how, when, and if they commute to work. PROPOSED KEY ACTIONS: 1. Explore flexible work programs and expand SmartTrip 2. Remove barriers to carsharing programs 3. Explore initiatives to increase transit ridership 4. Implement the Regional Parking Strategy Functional Plan SMARTTRIP The Halifax Transit s SmartTrip program partners with employers to promote sustainable commuting choices for employees. CARSHARING By reducing the need to own one or more automobiles, carsharing encourages people to use walking, bicycling, and transit for trips whenever a car is not necessary. SmartTrip focus areas:» Easing traffic congestion during peak hours» Reducing pollution & greenhouse gas emissions» Offering alternative commuting options other than single-occupancy vehicles PARKING Large parking lots are a challenge for pedestrian-friendly communities, especially when more parking is provided than needed. Parking can also be expensive to supply, which can impact small projects and affordable housing. SmartTrip programs:» EPass (employee discounted transit passes)» Carpooling (online ride matching database)» Bicycling and walking» Guaranteed Ride Home (taxi vouchers)» Flexible work arrangements» Commuter Challenge The Regional Parking Strategy Functional Plan recommends:» Reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements or setting a maximum parking requirement» Charging for on-street parking» Allowing multiple uses to share parking» Expanding the municipality s role in providing parking» Providing information about parking availability TRAFFIC CONGESTION THROUGHOUT THE DAY: Monday 6am Monday 8am Monday 10am Monday 12pm Monday 2pm Monday 4pm Monday 6pm Monday 8pm